The United States Marine Corps has given two defense contractors more than $100 million apiece and a challenge: build us the baddest beach-storming truck that can swim as well as it drives, and can withstand some fire at the same time.

Camouflage has been an important part of combat since the Prussian army adopted its feldgrau uniforms to blend in with Northern Europe's grayish fields in the 19th century. Armed forces have come a long way since then, using research tested patterns to break up the outlines of troops, trucks and aircraft, making them…

The US government, in between hours spent squabbling over the price of a cheese sandwich, has ordered a bunch of refurbished M88A2 HERCULES ARVs, also known as tanks that tow other tanks — and other big stuff too.